The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has raided companies believed to be involved in smuggling tobacco, cigarettes, and cigars, resulting in more than RM250 million in lost tax revenue between 2020 and 2024.
According to a source, the raids targeted business premises and company owners across the Klang Valley and Johor engaged in the tobacco, cigar, and liquor supply trade.
“MACC has frozen personal and company bank accounts worth about RM218 million, while the customs department has suspended the import licences of several companies to facilitate further investigations,” said the source.
The source added that enforcement agency officers were believed to have been involved in the smuggling activities.
When contacted, MACC’s special operations division senior director Zamri Zainul Abidin said 14 locations were raided.
He said investigations are being carried out under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
“MACC will not compromise on any party attempting to profit through corruption, money laundering, and smuggling activities that harm the nation,” he said.
The raid, code-named Op Sikaro, was led by MACC’s special operations division in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the customs department.
